However you looked at Midtown, it seemed like you were looking at the back. That was intentional, says city Corporation Counsel Tom Richards. It was designed to keep you inside and spending money.

But Richard said at a press conference this morning, you won't recognize the Midtown property when the revitalization project is finished. It will be open and airy, he said, and from the public space in the middle, you'll be able to see all the way to the East End.

Richards and other officials associated with the project called the press conference to give an update on demolition and site preparation.

Demolition will begin August 1 and take place in four phases. The former B. Forman will be the first to be torn down. Demolition of the Seneca Building is included in the first phase, but a portion of that building will be kept and used by Paetec.

Demolition on the three skywalk bridges will also begin on August 1.

Two parcels inside the former Midtown Plaza may be reused; the city hasn't decided yet. They're the former Wegmans and the old post office-food area.

Phase IV, the last phase of demolition, will begin on November 1 and end around December 2011.

A web cam will be installed on top of the Sibley Building so anyone can watch the demolition.